The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, gave a speech at the official event dedicated to the membership of Armenia, the 124th signatory of the Rome Statute, to the International Criminal Court.
“In 1998, the international community made a historic decision to end severe international crimes by adopting the Rome Statute. In 2023, Armenia ratified it, sincerely believing in the supreme power of the statute to eliminate the most severe crimes and end impunity. On February 1, the Rome Statute entered into force for Armenia. This is a fundamentally important event that brought us here today. I thank each of you for sharing this special day with us.
The Nuremberg trial showed in its time that crimes against international law are committed by people, not abstract entities, and the application of the provisions of international law can be ensured by punishing those who commit such crimes. As we begin this journey, let us accept the responsibility of ensuring that no one is above the law. Today, the International Criminal Court stands as a bulwark against the horrors of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression. In this regard, Armenia’s consistent cooperative approach to the ICC is based on the following main goals:
Prevent the most severe crimes that concern the entire international community.
Strengthen the rule of law in the international community.
Make the ICC more universal.
Armenia believes that it is essential to create an international judicial system that will ensure the punishment of those who committed genocide and other serious crimes. For decades, even before joining the International Criminal Court, Armenia has been an initiative and pioneer in the processes of prevention and condemnation of the crime of genocide, both within the framework of the UN and other international organizations and forums.
The role of the ICC in ensuring a fair and impartial justice process for the prevention of crimes and the peaceful resolution of conflicts is significant. Unfortunately, in our region, we faced not only a complete lack of will to solve the problem peacefully but also a clear intention to spread war, hatred, and terrorism. The ongoing aggression against Armenia and the occupation of our sovereign territories, the horrific crimes committed against Armenians, and the ethnic cleansing of Nagorno Karabakh, as a result of which more than 100,000 Armenians were forced to flee their homes to seek refuge in Armenia, have had catastrophic humanitarian consequences and continue to pose an imminent threat. to our region. In this context, we are convinced that the Rome Statute, among other mechanisms, has a real potential to prevent further escalation and atrocities, becoming a benchmark for stability and sustainable peace in our region.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We emphasize the Court’s important role in ensuring justice for victims of unimaginable atrocities by giving them a voice and an opportunity to participate in the proceedings, assisting, and seeking reparations. Undoubtedly, the Rome Statute and the ICC have contributed significantly to the effective functioning of the international criminal justice system by seeking accountability.
Today, let’s celebrate Armenia’s commitment and the universal vision of a world where justice reigns and the dignity of every individual is protected. As a new state party to the Rome Statute, Armenia will be an active member of the Court and will significantly contribute to the work of the conference of state parties. Together, we move forward in solidarity, united around the ideas of the Rome Statute, as we strive for a future defined by justice and the rule of law.
Thank you.”
